Presenter Jamie Theakston has revealed his cancer diagnosis. The Heart Radio DJ shared the news on Instagram, announcing that he had recently undergone surgery to remove a lesion from his vocal cords.
He sought medical advice after concerned listeners pointed out changes in his voice. The 53-year-old posted: “The biopsy has confirmed this as Stage 1 Laryngeal Cancer.
“So… I have cancer… but cancer doesn’t have me! The prognosis is very positive, and I’m hoping to be back with you in October.”
He concluded his message with: “Be thankful for this day, and when I see you next, I’ll have a great story to tell… Jamie x.”
Jamie’s co-host on Heart Radio, Amanda Holden, shared a photo of them together on Instagram.
She wrote: “Our wonderful @jamie.theakston has been diagnosed with stage 1 laryngeal cancer. His prognosis is very good, and he has an incredible team around him.
“Jamie, we love and miss you and look forward to seeing you very soon. With @sophietheakstonjewellery, your gorgeous boys, Us, and the entire nation behind you… YOU WILL GET THROUGH THIS.”
Holden, updating listeners on their breakfast show, expressed her hope to bring everyone “up to speed” on Jamie’s health. She mentioned that Jamie had asked them to “hold the fort” while he recovers, and they would “do him proud.”
Presenter Jason King, commonly known as JK and co-host of another Heart show with Kelly Brook, is stepping in during Jamie’s absence.
Theakston has been a presenter on Heart for 19 years, co-hosting the breakfast show with Holden for five years since she replaced Spice Girl Emma Bunton in 2019.
Bunton was one of the first celebrities to express support, posting “Love you to bits” along with a heart emoji.
Other famous personalities also voiced their well-wishes. Presenter Carol Vorderman commented, “Sending best Jamie.
Thank goodness your listeners noticed the change in your voice; all found early, and you’ll be back keeping everyone happy soon.”
Chef Jamie Oliver wrote: “Big love brother, you got this, sending love xxx.” Lisa Snowdon, TV and radio presenter, added: “Sending lots of love Jamie.”
Presenter Kirsty Gallacher wished Theakston a “speedy recovery,” while comedian Leigh Francis, also known as Keith Lemon, sent him “magical powers and positivity x.”
Earlier this month, Jamie explained that it was his listeners who first noticed something was wrong.
“Sooo – some of you listeners have picked up that my voice hasn’t been quite right these past few weeks – I owe you thanks for that… got it checked,” he shared.
“Doctors found a lesion on my vocal cords, which I had removed this weekend. “Thanks for all the kind messages – I should be back on my feet soon.”
Laryngeal cancer affects the larynx, or voice box, and is more common in men than women, according to the NHS. One key symptom is a hoarse voice lasting more than three weeks.
Stage 1 means the cancer was caught early and hasn’t spread. According to the NHS, when detected early, laryngeal cancer can often be cured through radiotherapy or surgery.
Theakston first rose to prominence as the presenter of the popular children’s TV show Live & Kicking, which he co-hosted with Zoe Ball from 1996 to 1999.
He later co-hosted Top of the Pops and presented on Radio 1. He also had brief acting roles in Marple, Little Britain, and My Family in the early 2000s.
In 2007, Theakston married jewellery designer Sophie Siegle, and the couple shares two sons, Sidney, 16, and Kit, 14.
